It’s not all exhausting but somehow enjoyable walks round the countryside that get more and more exhausting, we also have to do weekday walks. Just when you thought you could give the calves, knees, thighs and blistery bits a chance to recover, there are also several weekday walks. Not so easy when you also have to carry on making an honest living, but I manage to do this by walking round Southampton common for a couple of hours. It’s very flat, but I make up for its lack of resemblance to Machu Picchu by walking very fast and doing arm-stretching and breathing exercises at the same time. Does wonders for your lack of self conciousness.
For the actual trek, I was wondering if you’ve looked into the potential effects of diet, both good and bad. Friends of mine have gone into marathons, extreme cross country skiing races etc., and all found that diet can make a critical difference both physically and mentally.
Obviously, these are far different from what you’re planning, but I was wondering whether at least some of the general principles might be of interest and aid?
Here’s an article I came across that although it deals with marathon runners, illustrates some of the issues.
http://tinyurl.com/l8cy9 (URL converted to tinyurl by admin)
OK thanks neil, I’m going to read this carefully and report back later. I want to have this evening’s roast chicken and locally picked blackberry pie first just in case it’s the last…
Very interesting, but I tend to think that long distance walking (at least the way it seems to be organised for this trek) is not quite so aerobic as the more extreme sports – by now our training is up to what we might expect on the trek, at least on a daily level but without the altitude. I have learnt from the training walks not to overeat – I\’m not a vegetarian but I think it\’s quite a good idea to go easy on meat, so I imagine my diet may be weighted a bit towards the carbohydrates.
The organisers have given us a very precise training schedule and preparation list, but I didn\’t see anything about diet so am not worrying too much. My diet is essentially a healthy one (don\’t be put off by the word \”pub\” too much, we\’re not knocking back the Jack Daniels and crisps). As you may know English country pubs now serve many non alcoholic beverages and healthy home cooked food. On the trek we get to eat what is prepared by the crew so we really just have to trust them, but I have heard it\’s very good local food – possibly traditional Inca food even???
I\’m taking daily Glucosamine (for supple joints) and we\’ll be taking along energy bars – but try to find less sugary ones.